Related concepts:

Introduction to depression:

United States Surgeon General David Satcher released a report in January 2001 describing a mental health crisis in children. Mental illness severe enough to hinder kids from learning or developing appropriately is quite common — but fewer than one in five affected children get the help they need. Mental disorders are a major untreated problem in children. Recognizing and treating conditions such as depression can be a powerful contribution to children’s lives. Some children’s depression is missed because they appear to have ADHD.

What is depression?

Major depression is a mood disorder that affects sleep, eating, growth, mood, and interest level. Dysthymic disorder is a milder (but often longer lasting) variant, where the child has a depressed mood for at least a year.

Not long ago, people used to think that young children did not suffer from depression. Now we know that depression in children is both real and common – although the symptoms are often different from those seen in adults.

Depression of Infancy and Early Childhood is defined as a pattern of depressed or irritable mood with diminished interest or pleasure in developmentally appropriate activities, diminished capacity to protest, excessive whining, and diminished social interactions and initiative. This is accompanied by disturbances in sleep or eating and lasts for at least 2 weeks.

Who gets depression?

There is a strong link between mental disorders in parents and their children. When parents have major depression, their children are at increased risk for emotional and behavioral problems of their own.

Yet when parents are diagnosed, the children are often not even considered. I hope that this will prompt caregivers to notice whether the children are in any distress and to provide support for them, even at a very young age. And of course, I hope that parents will get the treatment and support that they themselves deserve, both for their own sake and for their children.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Children may have many of the same symptoms as adults. In general, though, children may be less likely to report sadness or depressed mood, and more likely to develop phobias, anxieties, physical complaints, behavior problems and hallucinations. In addition, the pattern of symptoms in children can vary by age.

Sometimes ADHD and depression are confused with each other. Many children have both.

Is it contagious?

Depression in parents and caregivers can worsen depression in children, and vice versa.

How long does depression last?

The symptoms of depression usually develop over several days or weeks. Without treatment, the depression usually lasts between six months and a year. About 90% of cases will resolve – some without treatment. However, about 40 to 80% of these children will often become depressed more than once.

How is depression diagnosed?

Whenever there is concern that a child might be depressed, an evaluation is important. This might include rating scales or structured interviews. Sometimes blood tests or EEGs are used to support the diagnosis.

How is depression treated?

Depression in children may be treated with antidepressant medication and/or therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. The response to treatment in children can be quite good.

Dr. Greene is the founder of DrGreene.com (cited by the AMA as “the pioneer physician Web site”), a practicing pediatrician, father of four, & author of Raising Baby Green & Feeding Baby Green. He appears frequently in the media including such venues as the The New York Times, the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, & the Dr. Oz Show.